Foreign Minister Lin Chia-lung presented the Order of Brilliant Star with Grand Cordon to Cheloy Garafil Jan. 23 in Taipei City for her contributions to strengthening Taiwan-Philippines relations, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said.
In his remarks, Lin said Garafil, now secretary general of the Philippine House of Representatives, played a key role in deepening bilateral ties during her tenure as head of the Manila Economic and Cultural Office from 2024 to 2025. He cited her efforts to ease exchange restrictions, including granting Taiwanese citizens 14-day visa-free entry for business and tourism.
The minister said Taiwan will continue working with the Philippine government under its integrated diplomacy framework to expand cooperation in artificial intelligence, clean energy, smart agriculture, semiconductors, talent cultivation and tourism. The goal is to promote mutual prosperity and safeguard peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific, he added.
Garafil thanked the Taiwanese government, business community and civil society for their support during her tenure. She said she will continue to promote bilateral ties in her new position.
Vice Foreign Minister Ger Bau-shuan later hosted a reception for Garafil, MOFA said. (POC-E)
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